Your daughter is hurt.

Words no parent wants to hear.

Waiting for my daughter’s solo dance performance, my phone began buzzing with an unknown number. If I don’t know the number, I don’t answer. If it is important, leave a message.

But this time the caller kept calling.

Annoyed – I hit decline.

Sitting in a dark, loud auditorium in the middle of a performance was not the time for a call.

Then there was the person standing beside me – telling me my daughter was hurt.

My first reaction – question this person by repeating the words back to her.

Surely I didn’t hear correctly.

My younger daughter was in the auditorium with me – I just left her sitting there.

I remember walking toward the warm-up area – telling myself my somewhat theatrical oldest daughter stubbed her toe or something else trivial.

When I entered the practice area, my daughter was crying – sprawled on the floor – surrounded by women.

Hearing me enter, she turned – tears streaming – and I knew I had to remain calm.

This was no stubbed toe.

Her right kneecap was sitting on the side of her leg.

Her panicked eyes searched mine for a reaction – for an answer.

So I jokingly said, “Let’s take care of this – you dance in 15 minutes.”

She didn’t laugh.

An ambulance (my first time to ride in one) transported us the the nearest ER where a fabulous doctor gave us two options: she could set the knee with no drugs and my daughter would scream in excruciating pain, or she could give her the ‘Michael Jackson drug’ – (yes, the doctor really said that) – and my daughter would be knocked out for the whole thing.

My daughter chose the MJ.

All of the possible side effects for this drug were listed for us.

I know how Michael Jackson ended up – I know the side- effects.

The first round of drugs did not successfully sedate her, so the doctor administered a second round.

A SECOND ROUND!!!

Knee was set in place and a soft cast strapped on her leg.

And now we wait….

It’s been 6 days and we haven’t seen the orthopedic (we go later today). My daughter is on crutches – frustrated she can’t do her normal activities. Angry she is missing a competition this weekend. Worried what the orthopedic will say.

Yet this is what I know.

Not think.

But KNOW.

Psalm 97 begins, “The Lord reigns…”

Because He reigns in full authority over everything on earth (and the universe), I can rest in Him and take comfort He is working out everything for His glory and my daughter’s good.

Verse 10 of this Psalm states the Lord guards the souls of His godly ones.

What assurance!
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Mamas and daddies – no matter how much we desire guarding our children from harm – protecting them from all the evil in the world – we can’t.

We are not that powerful.

There was absolutely nothing I could have done differently to save my daughter from this physical injury.

I trust God.

I’m comforted by Him – because He knows what it’s like to have a hurt child.

He watched His child mocked – beaten – killed.

He made the choice to give His child for us.

And though for reasons unknown the Lord allowed my child a physical injury, He is guarding her soul.

And nothing can harm her soul.

She is forever protected by the One who loves her even more than I do.

So no matter the outcome with the doctor today – The Lord reigns.

And I am thankful.

But/Then:

1. Read Genesis 34.

a. What is buried and why?

2. Read Jeremiah 43.

a. What is buried and why?

3. Read Ephesians 3: 14-21.

a. Do you know Christ this way?

i. If yes, pray these verses to Him in thanks.

ii. If no, allow us to help you know Him.

A week ago today, many of us paused our normal Friday routines remembering a sacrifice offered willingly on a cross.  On Sunday, we rejoiced – greeting one another with a familiar, “He is risen!”

But what about Saturday?  

The day in-between death and resurrection.

On the first Good Friday, crowds gathered witnessing the death of Jesus – many of the women who followed him watched from a distance, (Matthew 27:55).  His mother stood by the cross with the disciple Jesus loved, (John 19: 26).

They grieved as He proclaimed, “It is finished,” (John, 19:30). Then some of the women followed His lifeless body to a tomb and watched it sealed shut, (Matthew, 27:61).

All hope appeared lost.  

One of His closest disciples, Peter, denied knowing Him three times – many others scattered out of fear.

Then Saturday – the Sabbath – they rested.

I wonder how much rest really occurred in the midst of such overwhelming grief and confusion?

Yet the law did not allow any activity on this day.

The third day – some of the women got up early – with the sun – and headed to the tomb. They questioned one another how the sealed stone could be removed for them to anoint Jesus’ body.  

But God had already gone before them and taken care of the stone.  When the women arrived, the stone had been rolled away by an earthquake, (Matthew 28:2).

The body was gone.

One of the women, Mary Magdalene, wept bitterly.  Where had they taken Jesus’ body?

A man appeared before her – she assumed the gardener, because that made sense.  

A gardner at this time of morning was normal.

Explainable.

The man asked Mary two questions, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking,” (John 20:15)?

The man = Jesus.

Mary, overjoyed, clung to Him.  He told her to go tell the others.  Obediently she ran and told the disciples.

Some of them hurried to the tomb to see for themselves.  Verifying the tomb was indeed empty, they parted from one another going returning to their own homes.

To ponder?

To reflect back on His words?

Day one and day three – filled with activity.

But day two….

Lifeless. Inactive.

How many of us dwell in day two?

Our minds continue questioning Jesus’ sacrifice – did He really do this thing?  Does His sacrifice truly cover my sins? Did He defeat death?

Or maybe we live in a state of hopelessness completely missing out on the power of His resurrection available to us.

Possibly we spend our days still seeking something to fill the void – make us whole. A void He alone can fill.

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Day two is a lonely day.

 A day with the body of Jesus in a sealed tomb.  

Listen.

He’s not there – He is risen, (Luke 24:5)!

There was a day three.

Believe it.

Live it.

Rejoice in it.

But/Then:

Read Matthew 24.

    Write out everything Jesus says in this chapter.

    Write out a personal response to each of the things He says.

“For Christ to truly reign within you everything must be submitted to Him without reservation. There are many who oppose such a total surrender to this reign,” (Jeanne Guyon).

For years I sat through multiple preachings and teachings on developing intimacy with God. I read the books – even read The Book – but still felt a lacking in my relationship with the Lord.

I believed in God.

I believed in His Son, Jesus.

I believed Jesus was born of a virgin, lived a perfect life, and gave Himself as a living sacrifice for my sins.

I believed He rose from death leaving behind an empty tomb.

Belief was not the problem.

The problem was a lack of intimacy between me and this unseen Savior.

I can’t pinpoint when it happened, but there was a turning point years ago when I realized intimacy just doesn’t happen.

Intimacy requires commitment – desire – transparency -surrender.

I prayed yet rarely sat still listening.

And I prayed only the big stuff – for the sickness, financial difficulties, relationship issues.

But if I was going to truly surrender myself to a relationship of intimacy, I needed to talk and share my heart and desires – everything – with God.

I thought about conversations I had with my husband. Nothing was off limits. You know how it is when talking with your spouse or maybe a best friend – gabfest!!

In my head, I felt silly. God did not want to hear about the simple, mundane areas of my life. I shouldn’t bother Him with petty concerns and questions.

Yet these are the very things my conversations consisted of with my husband and friends.

Normal conversations throughout a normal day – what we would eat, wear, watch, read, dream, do, plan…..

What if God wanted in on these conversations? Better yet, what if He wanted to have these conversations with us first – before we discussed them with anyone else?

God is always waiting for us. In Genesis 3:9 He asks, “Where are you?”

He desires for us to approach Him with everything and to be with Him at all times.

So I began making the daily choice to talk with Him about everything – engaging in a running dialogue throughout my day about what to cook for dinner – what chore to put next on the list – you get the idea.

If folding clothes is the task, I spend time praying over each piece of clothing – thanking Him for the person in my life wearing the garment.

I complain to Him when someone cuts me off in traffic – asking, “Did you see that?!”

Because He wants to know.

Recently I travelled to Louisiana for a Women’s Conference. If you read “Mind Goo,” I shared my experience meeting and taking a photo with Lisa Whelchel. It was a sweet time bringing back many fun memories from childhood, and I was excited to document it with a photo. Unfortunately, Lisa messaged later that day all photos had accidentally been deleted. She felt horrible, and I’m not going to lie, I was disappointed.

I shared this disappointment with God and even prayed He would allow Lisa to recover the photos.

Days turned to weeks without success.

Every once in a while, during a daily conversation, I would remind Him it would be really cool if the picture turned up.

Exactly one month and 5 days after the photo was taken, Lisa announced she had discovered the lost photos and posted them for us.

God cares. About every little detail in our lives. His answer is not always ‘Yes’, but He desires for us to share our hearts and surrender ourselves to Him.

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Make time for Him.

Share with Him.

Develop an intimate relationship with Him.

There is nothing like it.

But/Then:

1. Read the following passages. What do you learn about Jesus?

a. Mark 1: 35-39

b. Luke 5: 15-16

c. Luke 6: 12

d. Mark 6: 30-32

e. Matthew 14: 13

Thank you Elissa Boedeker for this insight!

2. Read 1 Corinthians 2: 1-16.

a. What benefits are there in spending time with the Lord?

b. What excuses do you use for not spending time with the Lord?

3. Read Psalm 46.

Read it the the Lord. Write out questions that come to mind while reading these verses. Have a conversation with the Lord about your questions.

Would you purchase something without seeing it first?  This past Christmas I did just that.  Scrolling through Facebook one day, I got suckered in to watching a video clip of two brothers advertising a unique campaign.  Maybe you saw it too.

Two Blind Brothers was created by Bradford and Bryan Manning.  Both brothers were diagnosed with a disease eventually leading to blindness.  In an effort to find a cure for this disease, the Mannings developed an idea to make quality clothing with proceeds aiding in research.

At Christmas, they ran a special promotion with a unique twist.  For a short period of time, the company’s website was completely blacked out.  Visitors could purchase clothing from a blank computer screen – having no idea what they were purchasing – all that was known was the price.

Sounded interesting.

Since 100% of the proceeds were going toward research, I picked a price point and clicked the purchase tab.  

Then I waited. 

About a week later, I received a fabulous long sleeved black tee.  (You can see it below in the ‘Mindless Goo’ blog.)  It is currently my favorite thing to wear.  The fabric is soft and the style versatile.  

Shopping blind was a success.

Sometimes a leap of faith into an unknown reveals something special for our lives.

I’m reminded of the scene in Mark 10: 46-52.  Bartimaeus, a blind beggar sitting on the side of the road, hears Jesus approaching and cries out to Him.  Many traveling with Jesus on the way to Jerusalem attempted to quiet Bartimaeus, however he cries out even more.  Jesus stops – stands still – and has this beggar called to Him.  Jesus then asks him, “What do you want me to do for you?”

What a question!

How do you respond to this question?

Bartimaeus has a very clear, succinct answer ready – “I want to see.”

And Jesus heals him – because Bartimaeus has shown great faith and persistence even in the face of opposition.

Are you persistent? Do you know what you truly want?

Better yet – do you know what you truly need?

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I want to be more like You.

What if we offered our lives as blank screens which Christ already purchased on the cross – and allowed Him to reveal something wonderful and unknown to us?

Healed – Bartimaeus was told by Jesus to, “Go your way…”

When any way could have been chosen – sight fully restored – Bartimaeus “began following Him.”  

Because Jesus’ way is the only way.

Are you ready to see?

Are you ready to follow?

Jesus is asking, “What do you want?”

But/Then:

1.     Read Isaiah 53.
a.    List out every description of Jesus (He) from this chapter.
b.    What opens your eyes in this passage?
2.    Read Mark 10: 17-22.
a.    What does Jesus say must be done to inherit eternal life?
b.    What is the young man’s response?
i.    What would you say is the one thing you lack which hinders you from following Him?

Sent from my iPad

Recently my husband and I took our youngest daughter to a local sporting event. We purchased the obligatory snacks before heading to our seats.  Not long after sitting, four young women sat a couple of rows in front of us.

I wish I could do justice in writing the reaction these young women received.  My daughter hit my arm, leaned over whispering, “Mama, that girl is only wearing her bra.”

True statement.  

Now she had on bottoms too, but it appeared no one was gazing that direction.

Her friends were dressed similarly.

If I’m being honest, my first reaction was pure anger.  Angry these young girls were parading around in front of my husband (because believe me – they were up and down more than the basketball dribbled on court).  Angry my young daughter was witnessing this too.

I watched men trying their hardest to avert eyes from staring.  Women didn’t even bother being subtle – they stared – dumbfounded. The sweet older lady in front of me snapped pictures of the girls throughout the game – probably because no one would believe her when she described the clothing to them over coffee the next day.

There were two teenage boys beside us – they had no idea a game was played on that court.

But as I watched these women, my anger slowly turned to sadness.  What thoughts had gone through their minds when dressing for this outing? What message were they sending about themselves?

Then I asked the same questions of myself…

That’s when I really started looking around the arena – really looking.  Because let’s face it, we all clothe ourselves for a purpose – sending a message to the world around us about who we are and what we think about ourselves.

We clothe ourselves…

To feel better…

To hide those few extra pounds…

To blend in…

To stand out….

To feel confident…

To show off hard work in the gym…

In the days that followed, I started noticing clothing and people’s comments on their clothing more  – especially with people I encountered. At a party, a woman told me every designer she was wearing in the first minute of our conversation.  Another woman spent several minutes explaining why she was dressed sloppily.

Whether we admit it or not, we care about clothing – even when we are protesting, “I don’t care how I look.”  

Clothing matters.

That’s why when Adam and Eve disobeyed God and felt shame for their nakedness, God sacrificed an animal to clothe them, (Genesis 3:21).

But God did so much more.

Centuries later, God sent His one and only Son – Jesus – to earth in the form of a baby. That baby grew in wisdom and stature, (Luke 2:52). Jesus lived a sinless, perfect life healing the sick and loving and all those around Him.

Then He sacrificed Himself –  dying on a cross – for you and me – and defeated death three days later when He walked out of the tomb fully alive and breathing.

Believing in Jesus provides us new clothing – we become clothed with Christ, (Galatians 3:27).  We put on Christ, (Romans 13:14).

And when we put on Christ, how we attire our physical body becomes representative of Him.  Does it honor Him? Does it glorify Him?

Jesus tells us clearly in Matthew 6: 25 – 34 about clothing:

“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. (NKJV)

What about you?  

Do you worry about clothing?  

How are you clothed?  

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But/Then:

1. Read Numbers 34: 3-12.

1. Write out everything you learn about Israel’s boundaries.  Who inhabited the areas?

2. What stands out to you in this passage?  Why?

2. Read Joshua 15.

1. How many times is the word boundary (or a synonym for boundary) used in this chapter?

2. Based on scripture, why are boundaries important?

3. Read Matthew 10: 1-17.

1. What boundaries does Jesus set?

2. Who does He give these boundaries?

3. What does this say to you about boundaries?

This photo pretty much sums up my week.  I was preparing a dessert for a special dinner, and the mixer went crazy spraying me with this gooey mess.  When I tried turning the mixer off, I only succeeded in putting it on warp speed. With the kitchen now also covered in goo, I had the choice to laugh hysterically like my daughters were doing or cry uncontrollably.

Combined with all the other events leading up to this particular moment – tears won. And they flowed freely into a huge ugly cry.

I kept asking myself how in the world I allowed myself to get to this point.

It went something like this.

A simple, out of the ordinary thing occurred.  Not necessarily huge, but something that causes a “Hmmmmm.” Instead of asking a question for clarification – you know – the rational, sane thing – I chose giving free reign to an overactive imagination.

Question after question plagued my every thought.  I was fixated on an answer and instead of seeking truth from the source, I wrote and directed a script in my head of what this ‘Hmmmm” could be.

For days I dove deeper and deeper into this alternate reality I was creating.  Scenarios played over and over causing anger, fear, sadness and depression to swirl through me – exploding on those in close proximity (much like the mixer goo).  More than once I was asked, “What is wrong?”

I’m sure you know my answer…”Nothing.”

I knew something had to change.  I couldn’t continue snapping at everyone and stomping around in anger. So after days of misery and despair, I finally asked the question.

And what a surprise, there was a simple answer.  So simple I was immediately covered in shame for allowing my mind the freedom of creating lies – and even worse, believing and reacting to them.

My mind caused me to dwell on these lies for days.  I not only dwelt in lies, I began questioning things about myself –  re-evaluating what I should and should not do with my life. I was ready to give up things extremely important to me.

All those minutes -hours – days – wasted.

All the stress and worry for nothing.

Can you relate?

Are there times you allow your mind free reign?  

How much time and energy could we save asking for clarification or seeking truth in the right way?

Proverbs 15:21 says, “Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom, but a man of understanding walks uprightly.”

I do not want to live destitute of wisdom.  I want to seek it with everything in me. I want to surround myself with people who possess it.  I want to saturate myself in His Word, because that is where wisdom is found.

I love how James 1:5 tells us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”

This is my prayer.  Give me wisdom generously Lord. Because next time – and there is ALWAYS a next time – I hear or see something that causes the “Hmmmm,”  I pray I’m a little wiser in my thoughts – not rushing into creating drama, but slowing down and seeking out truth.

And hopefully I’ll slow the mixer down next time too……

But/then:

1. Read the following verses listing everything you learn about Saul’s spear.  What do you find yourself hurling at others? (Words, emotions, etc.)

1. 1 Samuel 13:22

2. 1 Samuel 18: 10-11

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3. 1 Samuel 19: 9-10

4. 1 Samuel 20:33

5. 1 Samuel 22:6

6. 1 Samuel 26:7

7. 2 Samuel 1:6

2. Read Psalm 118.

1. Write out everything you learn about the Lord from these verses.

2. Write out verses 6 and 7.

1. What does it mean “The Lord is for me?”

3. Read Genesis 39 and/or 1 Samuel 18.

1. Create a chart displaying each hindrance or circumstance with the outcome.

2. Based on your chart, if God is with you, what is the outcome?

Sometimes I wish my mind had an off switch.  Times when thoughts echo through my head – pinging around – ricocheting relentlessly with no reprieve.

Thoughts like –

I can’t.

I’m a failure.

I’m not good enough.

Why did you say that?

Why didn’t you say that?

I’m going to lose_______.

What about you?  

What thought consistently echoes in your head?

Recently I was struggling with an echoing thought from a very real dream (nightmare).  The dream was so realistic, it took me a while to orient myself when I woke up.

Even now, if I allow myself to dwell on the echo of the dream, I experience the emotions present that night – skin prickles, knotted stomach – fear.

So how do condemning – fear inducing – soul- sucking – lying thoughts echoing through our minds get silenced?

First – realize we are listening.  We allow the thought to get stuck on repeat – and the more we replay it – the more rooted it gets in our hearts.

2 Corinthians 10:5 says, “….take every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

Instead of feeding into the echo, counter it with truth.

Truth like:

“…I am fearfully and wonderfully made…”- Psalm 139:14

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13

“I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?”– Jeremiah 32:27

Next – stop feeding the echoing thoughts.  This world saturates us with ample ammunition for flawed thinking.

Romans 12:2 tells us, “Do not copy the behavior and customs of this world, let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.  Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

Finally, surrender echoing thoughts in prayer.

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The majority of his prayer is praising God for who He is, reminding God what He has done in the past, and sharing with God the current circumstances.  Jeremiah ends his prayer describing his own, personal obedience to God.

We can do this too.  

Praise God, remind Him of all the things He has done for us, and share our current state of mind – all those echoing thoughts in our heads.  

Then allow Him to do what only He can do.

Silence them.

“…whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think on these things.”  Philippians 4:8

But/Then:

Read the following prayers of Jeremiah.  What does Jeremiah say, and how does the Lord respond?

    Jeremiah 1: 6-8

    Jeremiah 14: 13 – 22

Jesus says in John 16:33 we will have tribulation in this world.  Read the following verses – writing out every command and promise you see:

    John 14: 1-3

    Romans 8:28

    2 Corinthians 4:17

    2 Corinthians 12:9

    1 Peter 4: 12-13

    Psalm 34: 19-20

    Psalm 41:3

    Isaiah 43:2

Which one of the above impacted you the most in your current situation?  Why?

What do the following verses teach about prayer?

    Matthew 26:41

    Luke 18:1

    Ephesians 6:18

    Colossians 4: 2-3

    1 Thessalonians 5:17

Write out a prayer telling God about the thoughts echoing in your head.

I was chatting with a friend recently – discussing our favorite earthly possessions.  A really hard question without ample thinking time.

Having recently received an Apple Watch, my friend chose this as her current favorite. It was helping her break an increasing iPhone habit.

I came up with several for my own list:

My Bible.

The uniform my daddy wore when he was lead singer in his band.

My daddy’s guitar.

My wedding ring.

This list doesn’t change, but I’m constantly adding to it.

What about you?

What is your favorite possession?

Why?

Did you choose it yourself?

Receive it as a gift or inheritance?

Do others know how important this possession is to you?

What will you do to protect it?

1 Peter 2:9 says, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”

God has a possession that He chose.

YOU

He chose you for Himself and cared so deeply for His possession He sent His only Son to die to protect you.

This challenges my thinking on the possessions I listed.   Because when I really consider my list – the actually thing is not what is important to me.

The band uniform is faded and most likely contains some moth holes – things of earth tend to do that.  I love the uniform, because it reminds me of the man who wore it. When I see it, I’m remember my daddy singing at church, in the car, around the house….

Same with the guitar.  There was never a holiday that guitar wasn’t strummed and a family sing-a-long followed.

My wedding ring – glistening with memories of young kids inexperienced with life – continuing forward on a journey together into unknown territories….

And my Bible.

Pages filled with scratchy notes – underlines in various colors – and Post-its.

There is a memory on every page of a time spent with the Lord.  Times of joy and tears. Times of reprimanding and learning. Memories.

The memories of lives lived out through history on the pages of scripture.

Does your possession call to mind sweet memories for you too?

We would love to hear about it.  If you have a favorite possession, please share it with us at blessedmess.us@gmail.com.

But/then:

• In Genesis 47: 6 and 10, Jacob blesses Pharoah.

• Read 1 Timothy 2: 1-2.

• What do these verses urge us to do?

• List the 4 things to be made on behalf of all men.

• List the 2 positions specifically stated.

• List the 4 benefits of obeying this.

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• How does God see obedience to these verses?

• Write out a prayer for those in authority in any area of your life that comes to mind.

• What do the following verses have in common?

• Genesis 47: 14, 20, 23, 24.

• Read the following verse(s):

• Psalm 22: 4-5

• Psalm 31: 8

• Psalm 37: 3-6

• Psalm 121: 1-2

• Isaiah 41: 9-10

• How do these verses advice us to live?  

• What are the similarities and differences between these verses and Genesis 47?

What are some of your favorite excuses?  You know, the excuses ready at a moment’s notice sparing you a task, an outing, or an invite.

I’m busy.

I’m not feeling my best. 

I didn’t get that message.

The weather is too ________.

I overslept.

I couldn’t find my keys.

I’m scared.

I’m not capable.

I’m not good enough.

When I had children, the plethora of excuses at my disposal tripled.  My kids could have anything under the sun – fever, activity, hurt tummy – you name it.  I could bow out of all requests and even some responsibilities and no one would think a thing of it.  After all, I was being a good mommy.

One of my favorite excuses for a long time was about cooking.  Basically, I hate cooking.  Most of my displeasure stems from never really learning to do it properly.  Add to the frustration everyone always complaining after each and every meal the meat was too crispy or too chewy and the vegetables were burnt (and they probably were), and I began making excuses not to cook.

Let’s face it – discovering food slaved over in a hot kitchen tossed carelessly in the trash (uneaten) withers all desire to continue cooking.

Then one day a sweet friend was visiting with me and shared how she had been using Home Chef.  Like me, cooking was not her forte, yet her family (like mine) insisted on eating every day.

Describing how easy and tasty the meals were, I gave it a try.

It’s amazing what a beautiful color photo and step by step recipe instructions can do for a non-cook.  Suddenly I was Julia Child or Rachel Ray (based on your age demographic).  My family was eating every bit, raving over the deliciousness, and begging for more.

Because I had found detailed directions, proper portions, and colorful pictures, I could do what I always thought was hopeless.

I was even enjoying cooking!

I was reminded recently every nook and cranny of our lives have detailed directions and colorful pictures guiding us in accomplishing things we never think we can do.

The Bible is our instruction manual providing guidance over everything – including excuses.

2 Timothy 1:7 says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and discipline.”

If we are in Christ, we have NO excuses. Just as God told Moses He would be with him in Exodus 3: 12,  He is with us also through His Spirit if we have accepted the precious gift of His Son, Jesus.

Aren’t you tired of excuses?  

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If you are ready for some direction, seek Him.  

He is waiting.

If you’re not sure how to accept His gift, let me know.  I would love to share with you.

No excuses.

But/then:

Read Numbers 16.

What did Korah do, and what was the outcome?

Read Numbers 26: 9-11.

*What does this say about Korah?

Read 1 Chronicles 6:31-38.

*Whose line is traced in these verses?  

*Who is in verse 33?

Read 1 Samuel 1: 1, 20

Read 1 Chronicles 9: 19-21.

*What is the job listed here?

* How does this relate to Numbers 16?

Read 1 Chronicles 12:6.

*What group is discussed, and what is said about them?

There are eleven Psalms attributed to the sons of Korah.

Psalms 42 – 50; 62, and 72 – 85.

Choose 1 (or more) to read.  

Do you see traces of Numbers 16 in the Psalm (s) you chose?  If so, write out what you discovered.